Daylight Saving Time Starts in Canada

Day: The start of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Canada typically occurs on the second Sunday in March, when clocks are set forward by one hour at 2:00 AM local standard time, which becomes 3:00 AM local daylight time.

History: Daylight Saving Time was first introduced in Canada during World War I as a measure to conserve coal. It was not consistently observed nationwide until the Canadian Uniform Time Act of 1966, which standardized its application across the country, albeit with some regional exceptions.

Traditions: There are no specific traditions associated with the start of Daylight Saving Time. However, Canadians often use this event as a reminder to perform certain tasks such as:

• Changing batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
• Checking and updating home emergency kits
• Adjusting schedules and sleep patterns to accommodate the time change

What People Do: On the day DST starts, most Canadians:

• Set their clocks forward before going to bed on Saturday night or upon waking up on Sunday morning
• Enjoy more daylight during the evening hours
• Might experience temporary effects like sleep disruption due to the time change

Some Canadian regions do not observe Daylight Saving Time and remain on standard time year-round. These include most of Saskatchewan, some areas in Quebec (east of 63° west longitude), and parts of British Columbia.